Business Details
22 Years
experience
Empowering Musical Creativity in Chicago
Founded in 2004 by composer Seth Boustead, Access Contemporary Music (ACM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to democratizing musical creativity through education, performance, and digital innovation. Our mission focuses on three strategic pillars: making contemporary music accessible in public spaces, improving musical literacy, and humanizing composers to reflect modern diversity. We operate the ACM School of Music, teaching over 300 students annually across Chicago and virtually, while producing acclaimed festivals like Thirsty Ears and Sound of Silent Film. Our programs commission dozens of new works yearly, collaborating with international artists to create immersive experiences from architectural soundscapes to film scores.With two decades of experience, we combine traditional instruction with experimental approaches like our Composer Alive process, which documents music creation in public installments. Our team of professional musicians and educators delivers personalized lessons in piano, guitar, voice, and composition, while our festivals have expanded to New York, Mexico City, and beyond. We maintain rigorous operational standards through digital learning platforms, production studios, and community engagement initiatives that have served over 340 students and attracted thousands to live events.
Services
Music lessons
Festival production
Composer commissions
Digital media projects
School programs
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 20+ years pioneering contemporary music education and performance
- Commission dozens of new musical works annually across three continents
- Professional musician-instructors with tailored teaching approaches
- Hybrid learning model combining physical studios with digital platforms
- Award-winning festivals reaching audiences in Chicago, New York, and Mexico City
What people say
Improved at cello
Teachers transcribe songs
Great place
Creative music activities
Professional musicians
Services
Music Lessons
We offer personalized music education for ages 4+ in piano, guitar, voice, strings, and composition. Our professional musician-instructors use age-appropriate methods combining technical training with creative exploration. Students gain performance experience through recitals, jam sessions, and community events while learning diverse genres from classical to contemporary.
Festival Production
Our festivals feature contemporary classical music through innovative formats. The Thirsty Ears Festival transforms urban spaces into performance venues, while Sound of Silent Film pairs new scores with cinematic classics. These events showcase international composers and musicians, creating immersive experiences that challenge traditional concert formats and attract thousands annually.
Composer Commissions
We commission dozens of living composers yearly through programs like Composer Alive, which documents the creative process publicly. Our collaborations with institutions worldwide result in premieres performed at venues ranging from Chicago's Music Box Theater to Mexico City's Cineteca Nacional, advancing musical innovation while supporting artists' development.
Digital Media Projects
Our digital initiatives include the Songs About Buildings and Moods video series and the Relevant Tones podcast. These platforms document contemporary music creation through location-based soundscapes, composer interviews, and performance documentation, extending our educational mission beyond physical locations to global audiences.
School Programs
The ACM School of Music teaches musical creativity through storefront locations and virtual instruction. Our curriculum combines fundamental techniques with creative exploration, serving over 300 students annually. Programs include early childhood classes, teen/adult lessons, and specialized workshops that emphasize both technical proficiency and personal expression.
People
Seth Boustead
Executive Director
Founder of Access Contemporary Music in 2004, Seth Boustead pioneered programs that combine musical innovation with community engagement. His vision drives ACM's mission to democratize classical music through education and performance.
Bergundy Harris
Director of Operations
Overseeing ACM's operational infrastructure, Bergundy Harris ensures efficient delivery of educational programs and festival productions. With extensive nonprofit management experience, they coordinate logistics for ACM's multi-city operations and digital initiatives.
Traci Huff
Director of Education
Leading ACM's educational programs, Traci Huff develops curriculum that balances technical training with creative exploration. As a violin instructor, she implements teaching methods that have helped the school grow to serve over 300 students annually.
Miroslava Soto
Program Manager
Managing ACM's artistic calendar, Miroslava Soto coordinates composer residencies and festival logistics. Their work ensures seamless execution of complex projects like the Thirsty Ears Festival and international commissioning programs.
David Wetzel
Technical Director
Overseeing ACM's digital infrastructure, David Wetzel manages production studios and online learning platforms. His technical expertise enables hybrid education models and digital content creation for global audiences.
Questions
What makes ACM different from traditional music schools?
We combine technical training with creative exploration, emphasizing musical creativity alongside fundamentals. Our instructors are professional musicians who teach personalized approaches across genres, with performance opportunities through festivals and community events.
Do you offer lessons for adult beginners?
Yes, our curriculum accommodates all ages and skill levels. Instructors tailor lessons to individual goals, with many adults starting from scratch or returning after breaks in supportive, flexible learning environments.
How do festivals connect to educational programs?
Our festivals provide real-world performance contexts for students and showcase commissioned works. Events like Thirsty Ears and Sound of Silent Film demonstrate contemporary classical music's relevance, inspiring educational content.
What locations are available for lessons?
We have four Chicago locations in Avondale, Lakeview, Ravenswood, and Rogers Park, with virtual options available for all programs.
How are instructors selected?
All teachers are professional musicians with extensive performance and teaching experience. They undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure they deliver personalized instruction aligned with ACM's creative philosophy.
Can students compose their own music?
Yes, composition is integrated into all lessons. We also offer dedicated composition classes where students learn notation, orchestration, and film scoring techniques from professional composers.
Videos
